BBC News has a £63million annual budget. But it is facing cuts as the corporation prepares to lose £650million from the abolition of licence fees for the over-75s in 2020.

Earlier this year the Beeb faced a sexism row when it was revealed news anchor Huw Edwards is paid up to £599,999 a year and Fiona Bruce just £299,999.

The BBC said today: "This is a misleading story about people working a long night shift. When they take a break, whether they walk around the block, go for a cup of tea or just simply rest, that’s surely up to them.

“The BBC is hugely grateful to its journalists who work through the night to make sure the country has the best possible news service when it wakes up in the morning.”